Student grievances may involve academic matters, administrative matters, disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code, or alleged discrimination. Grievances, other than those involving alleged discrimination charges, will be handled through the regular chain of authority. A student who is not satisfied with a decision at one level may appeal the grievance in writing to the next level of authority. The President or President’s designee is the final authority in any grievance except discrimination grievances where the Board of Trustees is the final authority.
- In grievances involving academic matters, including grading, the student should first consult with the instructor concerned. Every attempt should be made to resolve the grievance at this point of origin; but if necessary, the student may process a grievance, in writing, through the levels of Coordinator, Dean, Academic Vice President, and College President.
- In grievances involving administrative matters and disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code, the student should first consult with the responsible office administrator; if necessary the student should proceed, in writing, through the levels of appropriate Director or appropriate Dean, appropriate Vice President and College President.
- In grievances involving alleged discrimination because of sex, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran’s status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, including gender-related identity or other protected statuses as defined by law, the student should first consult with the Vice President of Academic Affairs who will handle the grievance. Appeals may be made to the L&C President and the Board of Trustees.
- Grievances should be submitted in writing at each level of review within ten (10) school days of the action being grieved or within ten (10) school days of the decision on appeal. Written response will normally be made to the student within ten (10) school days unless circumstances require additional time for consideration.
NOTE: L&C must share information about complaints with its accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, but individual identities will be shielded.
If a grievance results in a fact-finding hearing, the following procedure will be followed:
- You will be informed in writing of the date, time, location and subject of the hearing. A Vice President has the right to suspend you temporarily until the hearing process can be completed.
- The complaints will be described and examined at a meeting of the accusers, the accused, the appropriate Vice President (or representative), advisors and assistants that either party wishes to bring. The appropriate Vice President must be notified within two days of the hearing regarding anyone other than the principal parties who will be attending.
- The appropriate Vice President will have five school days following the hearing to consult again with all parties, as may be necessary, and render a decision.
- This decision may be appealed in writing to the L&C President (or representative) within ten school days of receipt of the decision. With respect to grievances involving alleged discrimination, the decision of the L&C President (or a representative) may be appealed to the Board of Trustees within ten school days of the receipt of the decision.
- If you are dismissed, an application must be made in writing to the appropriate Vice President before readmission will be considered.
- Readmission to L&C will be dependent on the student’s ability to document that the behaviors that led to his/her dismissal have been fully remediated.
- If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Vice President, he/she may appeal in writing to the college President.